Postdoctoral Researcher in DNA replication and DNA repair

By msequeira

The Tomkinson lab in the Cancer Genetics, Epigenetics, and Genomics Research Program at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to investigate the mechanisms of DNA replication and DNA repair in human cells repair with a focus on the final ligation step. The Tomkinson lab is interested in the following main areas; (1) mechanism of Okazaki fragment processing and ligation and the relationship between Okazaki fragment joining, DNA methylation and chromatin assembly; (2) the roles of DNA ligases I, III and IV in completing excision and strand-break repair pathways; (3) role of DNA ligase III in mitochondrial DNA replication and DNA repair; (4) development of selective inhibitors of DNA ligases I, III and IV to serve as probes to identify alterations in DNA metabolism between non-malignant and cancer cells that can be exploited therapeutically.

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. One of the premier cancer centers nationwide, the UNM CCC has more than 125 board-certified oncology physicians, forming New Mexico’s largest cancer care team. It treats about 60 percent of adults and virtually all the children in New Mexico diagnosed with cancer — more than 10,000 people— from every county in the state in more than 135,000 clinic visits each year. Through its partnership with the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, an “exemplary national model for cancer health care delivery,” the UNM CCC offers access to more than 175 clinical trials to New Mexicans in every part of the state. Annual research funding of almost $60 million supports the UNM CCC’s 130 cancer scientists. Working with partners at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and New Mexico State University, they have developed new diagnostics and drugs for leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver and pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, and melanoma. Learn more at www.cancer.unm.edu

Qualifications: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or Genetics. Individuals with a strong background in DNA replication, repair, epigenetics and/or chromatin biology are encouraged to apply. Prior experiences in protein purification and characterization, molecular biology and genetic manipulation of cultured cells are highly desirable. To apply, send a CV, including a list of three references to Amanda G Leigh (ALeigh@salud.unm.edu) using “application for a postdoctoral researcher position” on the subject line.